What were your main duties and responsibilities during the course of your internship?

I was responsible for making up feeds and administering medication to horses and donkeys, and turning out and bringing them in from fields. I also did general yard tasks such as mucking out stables and sweeping. My other tasks included assisting with office work, putting together adoption packs for supporters, discussing ideas for improving the site, recruiting new volunteers and the upcoming open day. I helped out in the tea room when needed. I groomed and picked out hooves which is important for maintaining hoof health. I helped train new volunteers and work experience students, particularly in health and safety, important points about the running of the site and handling horses/donkeys. I also gave site tours and leading a group visit to the site from NCS, as well as welcoming visitors to the site, showing them round and talking to them about the animals.

What would you say was your biggest achievement over the course of your internship?

I became more confident in teaching others how to work on site. This will be extremely beneficial when running the Flicka Volunteering Project associated with FXU in the coming academic year.

What benefits did your internship bring to your employer?

I was able to lighten the workload by being an extra pair of hands around the yard. I was also responsible for training new volunteers so this allowed the yard manager to get on with her own jobs.